Boardman Community Briefs

Monday Night Writers meeting scheduled for June 20

The next meeting of Monday Night Writers will be June 20, from 6-8 p.m. in the large meeting room at the Canfield Branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, located at 43 W Main St, in Canfield. Area writers, both published and unpublished, are invited to attend. Led by professional writer Nancy Christie, author of “Traveling Left Of Center And Other Stories,” the two-hour sessions offer an opportunity for members to get group feedback on ‘works-in-progress.’ For more information, contact Nancy Christie at nancy@nancychristie.com.

Niles Friendly Squares event

The Niles Friendly Squares will host its monthly square dance on June 11 from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Niles Senior SCOPE Center, located at 14 E. State St. in Niles. For more information, contact Gene Hammond at 330-534-4426 or 330-506-3370.

Library closings

All libraries in the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County system will be closed for Independence Day on July 4.

Healthy eating seminar

Dr. Ted Suzelis, ND with the Ohio Naturopathic Wellness Center in Boardman, will be hosting a free natural health seminar titled “How to Eat and Live Right for your Blood Type” on June 9 at 6:30 p.m. Suzelis will discuss the scientific background behind the “Eat Right for Your Type” diet, as well as dietary and lifestyle guidelines for each of the blood types. Whether you’ve been following the diet for years or have just been introduced to the diet, this seminar will be beneficial for you. Suzelis will have an open question and answer session at the end of the presentation to answer any questions you may have. The seminar will take place at the center at 755 Boardman-Canfield Road, Suite D3, in Boardman (Southbridge West Complex). For more information or to reserve your seat, call 330-729-1350 or go to OhioND.com. The event is free, but RSVP is required.

Kid’s First Theatre Initiative selects winners at vocal competition

Ethan Hess was the winner of the recent vocal completion, Mahoning Valley Singing Star, Jr. sponsored by the Kid’s First Theatre Initiative. Hess performed the song “Somebody to Love,” originally sung by rock star Freddy Mercury. Hess won a cash prize, vocal lessons with Rick Blackson and a recording session with Mainsail Music. Other winners were Ally Grande, Bailey Conley, Maddison Kutsch, Mia Bordonaro and Adrianna Quinlan, who were presented with framed plaques. Judges were local performers Mary Jo Maluso and Rick Blackson. All contestants in the competition have been offered roles in the Kid’s First Theatre Initiative’s production of “The Wizard of OZ,” which will be performed in October and scholarships to the company’s four week theatre camp, “Camp Showbiz.” For further information about Kid’s First Theatre Initiative, call 330-406-0606.

New threater camp to begin July 11

Camp Show Biz!, a new “all around” theatre camp for students in grades K-12 will host its first four week session, Mondays through Thursdays, July 11 until Aug. 5 at Trinity Fellowship Church, located at 4749 South Ave. in Boardman, from 9 a,m. until 1 p.m. Campers will be led through the entire experience of creating and producing a show “from auditions to opening night.” Classes will include acting, movement, voice, marketing and theatre games, as well as set construction, lighting, sound design and make up. The experience will culminate in a performance for parents and invited guests on the last day. Instructors for Camp Show Biz! are local theatre artists and drama teachers. The cost for the camp is $130, which includes a daily lunch. Some scholarship assistance is available for qualified applicants. All campers will be offered roles in the Kids’ First Theatre Initiative production of “The Wizard of Oz” in October. The organization recently hosted a vocal competition, The Mahoning Valley Singing Star, Jr. and will shortly unveil plans for upcoming performance opportunities and classes for young people interested in theatre. For further information and registration, call 330-406-0606.

Knights of Columbus 5K to be June 25

The Boardman St. Charles Knights of Columbus #11915 is hosting its sixth annual 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk throughout its neighborhood on June 25 at 9 a.m. Registration is $17 for the run and $12 for the walk if you register before June 20. The cost is $20 and $15, respectively, on race day. Dryfit shirts will be given to the first 100 entrants, and winner awards will be issued along with door prizes and refreshments. Call Butch Caimano at 330-301-0453 for details.

Puzzle swap

Swap six of your once done jigsaw puzzles with others. This event is hosted every second Wednesday of the month. This month’s meeting will be hosted at the Boardman library on July 13 at 4 p.m.

Fitness support group

Join this meeting to support each other in weight loss, fitness or any other health goals you have. The group will be using a free fitness app to supplement the meetings. Each month the group will discuss a different topic. This event is for adults. This event will be hosted by the Boardman library on July 5 at 6 p.m. The Topic discussed will be “Sleep.”

Blood pressure screening

The Boardman library will host a blood pressure screening by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross on July 5 from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Reader’s Choice book club

The club will discuss “The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion” by Fannie Flagg. Share your favorite books and find out what new ones are being published. Then, preview August’s book, “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins. This event is for adults on July 11 at 7 p.m. in the Boardman library.

“I Read YA!” book club

For adult fans of Young Adult literature from ages 18-118, this book club is for you. Talk about why you like YA. Read and discuss. This month the club will be discussing “What We Saw” by Aaron Hartzler. This event is for adults.

Research guide for Jewish genealogy

This program will survey the resources available for Jewish genealogical research in library collections and beyond. This event is for adults and teens on July 12 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required by phoning 330-744-8636 or online via the library’s events calendar.

Pet talk

The event “Pets: how paws have a hand in how we build and cherish our family trees” will be hosted by the Boardman library on July 19 at 6:30 p.m. Though not “blood relatives,” companion animals continue to be genuine members of families. This program will examine the significant, often profound, role sentient friends play in how the family understands their ancestors and selves. This event is for adults and teens. Registration is required by phoning 330-744-8636 or online via the library’s events calendar.

Buddy Marshall Memorial Scholarship winners

The Poland Relay for Life and the Marshall family recently announced the winners of the Buddy Marshall Memorial Scholarships. The Miss Photogenic Winner ($400 scholarship) is Morgan Bindas, 2016 Boardman High School graduate. The Overall Winner ($500 scholarship) is Alexis Caroline, 2016 Mineral Ridge High School graduate.

It’s all about yarn

Bring in your crochet, knitting, plastic canvas, or “anything with yarn” project and learn from one another. Participants are encouraged to bring all yarn UFOs (unfinished objects). This event is for teens and adults at the Boardman library July 25 at 11 a.m.

Teen Advisory Board meeting

Check out the monthly TAB (Teen Advisory Board) meeting. The board meets the first Wednesday of the month at the Boardman library. Help plan and support teen activities at the library. Meet new people and have fun. Newcomers are always welcome. This event is for teens in grades 7-12 on July 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Get in the game

This “Minute to Win It” event is hosted by the Boardman library for teens entering grades 7-12. You will have 60 seconds to complete challenges. Do you have what it takes? Join the library July 14 at 6 p.m. for games and snacks.

Lego my library

Meet and enjoy creating Lego designs. Legos will be provided. This event is for children ages 6 and up at the Boardman library on July 9 at 10 a.m. and July 21 at 6 p.m.

Grab and go crafts

This Gold Medal Crafts event will allow you to create a craft and take it home with you during the month of July at the library.

Games galore

Readers finish first in this event for future young Olympians of all ages. Come to the Boardman library July 14 at 2 p.m.

Family story time

Bring the whole family for stories, games, crafts and fun for all ages. Children under age 7 must be accompanied by an adult. This event will be hosted by the Boardman library Wednesdays in July (omitting July 20) at 10 a.m.

A box full of myths

Join the library for a special performance by local high school students. The play will cover famous myths from Greek mythology. This event is for children of all ages, hosted by the Boardman library on July 12 at 10 a.m.

Bonding with babies and books

This event is for caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months. There will be twenty minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This event will be hosted by the Boardman library Tuesdays in July (omitting July 12) at 10 a.m.

“UFO’s- the truth is out there”

Enjoy this presentation on UFO’s from a historical perspective with emphasis on the best investigated cases. Chris Parsons of the Mutual UFO Network, one of the oldest and largest civilian UFO-investigative organizations in the United States, will explain why many believe that the truth is out there. This event is for adults and teens, and is hosted by the Boardman library at 2 p.m. on July 30.

Pony rides

Come ride the ponies, hear a story and make a craft. All activities will be hosted outdoors, weather permitting. A rain date will be announced if needed. Children under 120 pounds may ride the ponies. This event is for children of all ages at the Boardman library on July 27 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Armstrong Air and Space Museum

It takes more than a love of space to become an astronaut. You have to be physically fit to master the job. Learn how astronauts train for missions and maintain their health during months in space. Museum staff will demonstrate the difficulties of working in a spacesuit while wearing an Apollo-style space suit. This event is for children of all ages and will be hosted by the Boardman library on July 22 at 3 p.m.

Across the finish line

Come and cheer on Pete the Cat. Join the library for stories, games and fun for children of all ages. Don’t forget to bring your camera and have your picture taken with the cool and groovy Pete the Cat. The Boardman library will host this event on July 28 at 11 a.m.

Quilters’ garage sale to be June 11

Stop by the Quilters’ Garage Sale and pick up some fabric and crafting supplies. The sale will take place one day only – June 11, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 3735 Barber Drive in Canfield. From a slightly used serger sewing machine to quilting notions and crafting supplies and lots of fabric, this is a great opportunity for quilters and crafters. Proceeds from this sale help TQGIBT – That Quilt Group I Belong To – promote quilting in the Valley. Members stitch charity quilts and other projects that are donated to hospitalized children and veterans. There is also a Carnival glass punch bowl complete with 12 cups. Barber Drive is just off Fairway drive near Tippecanoe Road in Canfield Township. TQGIBT meets at Fair Park in Canfield on the third Tuesday of each month, with some exceptions. TQGIBT is open to all quilters in the Mahoning Valley. For information on membership, contact president Helen Lewis at HMLrutgers@icloud.com or by calling 330-286-3966.

Contra dance returns to the area

The Western Reserve Contra Dance will be hosted from 7-9:30 p.m. on June 11 at the Dublin Grange Hall, located at 6571 Fairground Blvd. in Canfield. The “contra” is a New England social dance, with ever-changing partners and live traditional music by the band “One String Short.” A caller will teach each dance and guide the dancers. Dress is casual, beginners and all ages are welcome, partners are not required and new friends will be made. Admission is $8 and light refreshments will be served. The Grange Hall is just off 224, behind the CVS pharmacy. See www.westernreservecontradance.com for more information.

Surgeons to address ostomy group

Dr. Gregory S. Huang, a trauma surgeon at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, and Dr. Daniel Ricchuiti, a urologist with NEO Urology, will be the featured speakers during the next meeting of the Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group. Sponsored by Mercy Health – Youngstown, the Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group will meet from 6-7 p.m. June 14 in the Azalea Room of St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, located at 8401 Market St. in Boardman. Meetings of the Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group take place the second Tuesday of each month with meeting places alternating between Humility House and St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital. Meetings are open to the public, refreshments are provided and parking is free. For information, call 330-480-3440

American Business Women’s Association meeting

The Mill Creek Chapter of The American Business Women’s Association will host its June 14 meeting at A La Cart Catering in Canfield, beginning with networking at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. The menu for the evening includes hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, broccoli salad, fruit salad, coffee or iced tea and brownie sundae for dessert. The cost is $15 per person. Reservations are due to Jackie Fischio at 330-788-6634 or 330-559-4808 or to Marilyn Abramski at 330-726-2507 or 330-565-6913 by June 6. The public is welcome. The guest speaker for the evening will be Gianna Cioffi who will provide details on the Lake-to-River Food Cooperative Online Market.

“Pups in the Park”

West Side Cats will be hosting a “Pups In The Park” day on June 18 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The organization will photograph your dog for a $10 donation. You will then receive a 5x7 framed photo after it is professionally processed and printed and framed. This event will be hosted in Mill Creek Park near the Suspension Bridge. West Side Cats will also be selling raffle tickets for the Father’s Day TV and other items for sale. All the proceeds will benefit the cats at West Side Cats.

Neighbors features adoptable pets

Check out the newest feature of Neighbors, the Adoptable Pets of the Week column! Each week, we will feature two adoptable pets from West Side Cats or Pawz 2 Adopt with pictures and information on page 2. Sponsorship for the column is available on a week-to-week basis for local businesses that love animals. If you are interested in being a sponsor for this column, call Kathy Smith at 330-747-1471, ext. 1214. All of the members of the Neighbors team love animals and we hope that we can help West Side Cats and Pawz 2 Adopt find forever homes for these adorable dogs and cats. More information on these organizations can be found on Facebook or by calling 330-792-4228 for West Side Cats and 330-779-1862 for Pawz 2 Adopt. Thank you for your continued support of this and all of our endeavors!

Host families needed for Northern Ireland teens

The Mahoning Valley Ulster project is a summer exchange program that brings together teen leaders from Northern Ireland and the United States. Founded in 1975, the program offers spiritual, social and service opportunities to help the students discover the common ground they share despite religious differences. Each year, Valley families play host to more than a dozen Northern Irish teens for this enriching experience. The group is searching for host families for two boys from Northern Ireland. Teens will arrive on June 27 and will depart on July 27. The host family should have a male teen between the ages of 14 and 17. This life-changing experience includes six service projects (Purple Cat, Potential Development, Mill Creek Children’s Center, Habitat for Humanity, Jubilee Gardens and Zion Lutheran Food Bank) as well as many fun events, such as a Scrappers Game, a road rally and a trip to Cedar Point to name a few. If you are interested in hosting a teen, contact Greg at 330-770-1440. For more information, visit ulsterprojectmv.com.

First Night Youngstown announces annual button design competition

First Night Youngstown is calling for local and regional artists to participate in the annual design competition of its New Year’s Eve events admission button. The winning artist will be promoted at all press events. The artist will also be a celebrity guest in the Downtown Christmas holiday parade and tree-lighting event. The button series is traditionally intended to celebrate downtown Youngstown’s unique historic buildings and architecture. Buttons may be designed using any medium and then digitally saved as a .jpeg. Artists should depict Youngstown in a manner that highlights New Year’s Eve, no champagne glasses or images of drinking alcohol; First Night events are family-friendly. The design must include the phrase “First Night Youngstown 2017.” Interested artists should call 330-744-9966 or email firstnightyoungstown@gamil.com. Submission deadline is Aug. 31. Each year, admission buttons provide entry to all First Night events on New Year’s Eve in downtown Youngstown, sold at $5 and $10 each. Proceeds from the sale help compensate performers.

Summer Discovery

Join the fun during Summer Discovery, the program for summer reading and fun, which runs from June 1 through Aug. 13 at the Austintown, Boardman, Canfield and Poland branches of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. Learn about science from the experts at COSI and Mad Science. Watch “The Monsters of Baseball” come to life with the Madcap Puppets. Learn how astronauts prepare for flight from specialists at the Air and Space Museum, and enjoy many other great entertainers. For a complete list of library programs, visit your local library or LibraryVisit.org. There’s something for everyone during Summer Discovery.

Blood Drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross

There will be a blood drive to serve the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital. For appointments, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Boardman library’s event will be hosted on June 27 from 1:30-6:30 p.m.

I Read YA! book club

This event is for adult fans of Young Adult Literature from ages 18 and up. Talk about why you like YA. Read and discuss. This month the club will be discussing “Dumplin’” by Julie Murphy. This event is for adults at the Boardman library on June 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Resources and strategies for finding foreign records

If foreign travel for family research is not part of your summer plans, then attend this program and preserve your frequent flyer miles. We will examine resources that help the genealogist find and acquire records that reside overseas. For adults and teens. Registration is required by phoning 330-744-8636 or online via the Boardman library’s events calendar. This event will be hosted on June 23 at 6:30 p.m.

It’s all about yarn

Bring in your crochet, knitting, plastic canvas, or “anything with yarn” project and learn from one another. Participants are encouraged to bring all yarn UFOs (unfinished objects). This event is for teens and adults at the Boardman library on June 27 at 11 a.m.

Get in the game

Teens entering grades 7-12 are welcome to join the Boardman library outside for a variety of outdoor games to compete in. Program will take place indoors if raining. Come out June 14 at 6 p.m.

Lego my library

Meet and enjoy creating Lego designs. Legos will be provided. This event is for children ages 6 and up at the Boardman library on June 16 at 6 p.m.

Gold Medal crafts

Grab and Go events at the library are open for children of all ages to create a craft and take it home. Open during library hours during the month of June.

Family story time

Bring the whole family for stories, games, crafts and fun for all ages. Children under age 7 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is hosted by the Boardman library on June 22 and 29 at 10 a.m.

Family story time for Father’s Day

Join the Boardman library on June 15 at 10 a.m. for stories and fun for children of all ages. Parents are invited to join their children in this 30-minute program. Holiday stories and gift for dad are included.

Bonding with babies and books

This event is for caregivers and their little ones who are 6-23 months. There will be 20 minutes of language enrichment including rhymes, songs and stories, followed by time to play and socialize. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is hosted by the Boardman library Tuesdays in June at 10 a.m.

Recycle everyday

Join Peg Flynn and Kim Lewis of the Mahoning County Green Team as they present Nancy Elizabeth Wallace’s “Recycle Every Day” during the Summer Reading Program. This tale is about a young bunny named Minna who is assigned with the task of creating a winning poster for the Recycling Community Calendar Contest. After reading the story, program participants will create bouquets using recovered materials. At the conclusion of the program, children will receive an environmental action activity book and information to share with their parents. This program is recommended for children in grades Pre-K through 3, and will be hosted by the Boardman library on June 17 at 10 a.m.

Animal magic with Mark Rosenthal

Join exotic animal rescuer and Nickelodeon’s one-time Entertainer of the Year, Mark Rosenthal, for Animal Magic. Rosenthal will bring some of his animal friends and share stories from his books. This event is for children of all ages at the Boardman library on June 30 at 11 a.m.

Stevens Puppets present “The Wizard of Oz”

Watch as a Kansas cyclone whisks Dorothy off to Oz. World leaders in the puppetry arts for more than 80 years, Stevens Puppets bring this tale to life with hand-carved wooden marionettes and a musical score you are sure to be humming all the way home. This event is for children of all ages at the Boardman library on June 24 at 2 p.m.

Pink Ribbon Golf Classic

The annual Pink Ribbon Golf Classic will be hosted at the Avalon Lakes Golf and Country Club on July 18. The cost is $110 per golfer. All proceeds from this event will go directly to the American Cancer Society. The 18 hole four-person scramble will be followed by lunch and a Chinese auction and raffle. Registration and continental breakfast begin at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. For further details, contact Donna Mowrey at 330-207-9630 or Ginny Johnston at 330-219-9092.

Mercy Health offers free workshop

Mercy Health Youngstown will offer a one-hour workshop, “Health at Home,” June 16 in the Woodland Room at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, located at 8401 Market St. The morning session runs from 11 a.m. until noon and an evening session goes from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The workshop and all materials are free, but reservations are required. Call 330-480-3070. The workshop includes an easy-to-use reference guide that provides information about more than 200 common health problems as well as tips on caring for yourself and your family, preventing illness and injury and advice on when to seek medical attention.

First annual West Side Cats Father’s Day raffle

West Side cats will be hosting a Father’s Day raffle featuring a 48 inch Insignia LED TV. The drawing will be on June 18, and proceeds will be used for the group’s spay and neuter program. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. You can purchase your tickets beginning next week through any volunteer or at the shelter. West Side Cats is located at 2217 Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown. Call 330-792-4228 for details.

GA to meet

Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-Step fellowship of compulsive gamblers who want to recover from their gambling addictions, will meet twice this week in the Youngstown-Warren area. A GA meeting takes place every Friday at Westminster Church, located at 119 Stadium Drive in Boardman, and another takes place every Sunday at Christ Church Presbyterian, located at 3425 Hopkins Road in Youngstown (Cornersburg). Both meetings begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. and last about 1-1/2 hours. Those who believe gambling has affected any part of their lives are urged to attend.

MCCTC opens Summer Camp registration

The Mahoning County Career and Technical Center is giving students the chance to explore new careers this summer with its annual Summer Camp on June 20-22. This year’s camp offers students the opportunity to learn more about exciting career fields through fun, hands-on projects. Programs offered this year are Exercise Science, Culinary, Cosmetology, Mechanical Engineering, Truck and Diesel Mechanics and Welding and Auto Technology. MCCTC Summer Camp takes place every summer and is open to students in grades 6-8. For more information or to register a child, visit www.mahoningctc.com.

Get “golf ready”

Learn everything you’ll need to play golf in just a few lessons. PGA pros will show you ways to play by combining fun, friends and fitness. Each session will focus on various golf skills. Mix and match clinics available. One day clinic - $25, any two clinics - $45, any three clinics - $60 and any seven clinics - $100. Dates for the program vary through Aug. 17.

In the forest

The work of realist painter Jason Floyd Lewis relishes the natural beauty of uninhabited places. The Wellers Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens will feature this artwork until June 12.

Advanced Master Gardener series

This series, led by Ellen Speicher, will focus on pruning, plant names and fall gardening. The event will be hosted by Fellows Riverside Gardens on June 11 and Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. The deadline for registration has passed.

America’s Schoolmaster exhibit

The Early Days of William Holmes McGuffey will be on display in the Melnick Museum at Fellows Riverside Gardens from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Learn more about the early days of McGuffey and his boyhood homestead, located in Coitsville and now known as the McGuffey Wildlife Preserve. The exhibit will be open though January 2017.